Chief of Party

Job Description

DT Global is shaping a future where sustainable development and innovation empower individuals, communities, and nations. We work in partnership with local stakeholders to foster inclusive prosperity, social equity, and environmental stewardship. Our global team of 2,500 staff and experts work in over 90 countries to solve complex problems in the peacebuilding, governance, economic development, environment, and human development sectors. With a track record of technical excellence and more than 60 years of international development experience and relationships, we deliver innovative solutions that transform lives.

Overview: DT Global is seeking applications from qualified candidates for a Chief of Party (COP) for the USAID Zambia Business Enabling Project (BEP). BEP is a five-year, $14M project designed to catalyze inclusive private sector investment and trade in rural Zambia. The COP will be the principal point of contact and the primary liaison with USAID/Zambia for technical and administrative matters and will oversee project implementation. S/he will provide overall leadership, management, and general technical direction of the project, ensuring an integrated vision and a focus on achieving the project’s results.

The COP will leverage collaborative public and private sector relationships as the face of the Project, mainstream collaborating, learning and adaptation (CLA) application, manage the finance and operations team, and oversee relationships with at least three major subcontractors. S/he will represent the Project to USAID/Zambia, GRZ, local officials, other donors, partners, and the private sector. The COP will manage project implementation, ensuring delivery of results. S/he will monitor work plans, budgets, and finances per USAID rules and regulations and DT Global policies and procedures. The COP will directly supervise the Technical Director, the Finance, Administration and Capacity Building Director, and the MEL & CLA Director. This is a full-time position based in Zambia for the next three years.

Project Background: The USAID Business Enabling Project (BEP) is a five-year project (2022-2027), with a total funding of $14M, designed to catalyze inclusive private sector investment and trade in rural Zambia. The Project seeks to facilitate evidence-based public-private dialogue, strengthen select public and private sector institutions, and streamline policies and processes. This multi-pronged approach will foster a stronger enabling environment for business. The Project has a sectoral focus in agriculture, energy, eco-tourism, and trade, and a geographic focus in the Central, Eastern, and Southern provinces. The Project champions reforms that enable women-led enterprises in these sectors to participate fully in Zambia’s economic development.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Provide high-quality technical and strategic leadership in implementation of the Project, ensuring timely and high-quality expertise and deliverables for USAID and providing overall administrative and managerial oversight and monitoring throughout the project.
Manage and motivate a diverse team of technical and operations experts in designing, planning, and executing the Project’s work plan to achieve long-term, sustainable results; including the Technical Director; Finance, Administration, and Capacity Building Director; and MEL & CLA Director.
Manage the effective utilization of resources throughout project implementation and ensure execution of objectives and performance standards as described in the BEP contract.
Collaborate closely with Director of MEL & CLA to oversee all CLA activities, including promoting CLA and adaptive management by chairing CLA reviews with the BEP team and relevant project stakeholders and conducting deep dives with the Director.
Serve as DT Global and Project representative to USAID/Zambia and other USG entities; local officials; and other donors, partners, and stakeholders—including at relevant events—and coordinate with the aforementioned on USAID/USG programming in Zambia.
Ensure quality assurance and use of quality control methods in a consistent and transparent manner for all contracted tasks and functions and ensure their compliance with USG and DT Global rules and regulations.
Champion and oversee DT Global’s team of national and international partners for the program, helping to build capacity where needed and ensuring the meaningful participation and successful contribution of team members to achieving the Project’s objectives. This includes leading on developing and implementing a vision for the BEP activity and ensuring this vision is shared with project staff and key stakeholders.
Lead project reporting and analysis and review deliverables for completeness, accuracy, and continuous quality improvement.
Liaise effectively with DT Global Home Office staff on technical, operational, and project finance matters to accomplish Project objectives.
Leverage existing enabling environment programing and expertise within DT Global to ensure technical quality and integration with complementary initiatives.
Participate in and oversee the development of project strategic and operational plans.
Monitor work plans, budgets, and finances in accordance with USAID rules and regulations and DT Global policies and procedures.

Education & Minimum Qualifications:

A graduate degree in economics, law, public administration, policy reform, business administration and governance, or related field
Exemplary professional experience with 10+ years of experience in international program management, including senior management experience at COP or equivalent level
Excellent management and team-building skills and proven ability to lead, mentor, and manage a team of professionals with different points of view
Must be a senior professional with a high level of technical experience in policy reform, engaging the private and public sectors to generate investments and increase economic inclusion for women and marginalized populations
Demonstrated experience incorporating gender-sensitive approaches into program implementation
Experience managing partnerships with the private sector, national, and rural governments
Experience working in Zambia, Eastern Africa, or Southern Africa
Demonstrated ability to liaise and develop successful working relationships with key stakeholders, including USAID, and public, private, and civil society partners
Fluency in English required

Core Competencies:

TEAMWORK: Works cooperatively and effectively with others to achieve common goals. Participates in building a culture characterized by inclusion, trust and commitment.
COMMUNICATION: Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts professionally. Demonstrates effective use of listening skills and displays openness to other people’s ideas and thoughts.
ADAPTABILITY: Adjusts planned work by gathering relevant information and applying critical thinking to address multiple demands and competing priorities in a changing environment.
CUSTOMER/CLIENT FOCUSED: Anticipates, monitors and meets the needs of customers and responds to them in an appropriate and responsive manner.
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION: Conveys respect for diverse individuals and perspectives; models inclusive behavior and treats everyone fairly.
PROFESSIONALISM: Displays appropriate and ethical behavior, integrity and personal presentation in the workplace always; demonstrates respectful communication for others, both verbal and non-verbal.